International Women’s Day Awards Night 2013: LGF’s Annie Shortlisted!

International Women’s Day Award 2013

The LGF’s very own Annie Emery, Head of Services, has been shortlisted for a Manchester International Women’s Day Award 2013.

She has been recognised for her work supporting lesbian and bisexual (LB) women, including developing our cervical screening project – the first of it’s kind.

Annie has worked for the organisation in various capacities since 2003. She also chairs the Women’s Leadership Group, who are responsible for the LGF’s ground-breaking campaigns and events for lesbian and bisexual women.

She has been instrumental in driving forward services for LB women here at The LGF and is an inspiration to many!

The awards ceremony takes place at Manchester Town Hall on Friday 8th March.

Annie is outspoken

We interviewed Annie for ONW issue 111 for the outspoken feature. Read her interview below.

Which three items would you take to a desert island?

iPod, solar powered iPod charger, suitably equipped pen knife.

What do you do to relax?

Coronation Street with the missus and the cat.

What do you owe your parents?

A strong work ethic – no pulling sickies at school for me!

Who are your three ideal dinner guests, living or dead?

Sia, Kate Bush and Victoria Wood. That would be very pleasingly bonkers.

Which person, living or dead, do you most admire, and why?

It’s so hard to just have one, there are so many inspiring people. Anyone who has stood up for equality in the face of adversity; Emmeline Pankhurst, Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Ellen De Generes, Quentin Crisp. I could go on and on.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

That it’s over in the blink of an eye so make sure you live it.

What keeps you awake at night?

The cat usually. Worrying that there is always so much to be done.

What would we find in your fridge if we had a look?

I’m trying to eat healthily, so lots of fruit and veg. I won’t mention the home baked chocolate brownies or the fruity cider.

Cat or dog?

See above. She’s called Lily.

What is your favourite word?

Forelsket

What do you think is the greatest challenge facing women today?

That even in 2012 women are still not equal in any country in the world I think. Recent research suggests that of the G20 countries, Canada is the best place for women to live in terms of equality and rights, and India the worst. In too many countries women are banned from voting, driving, owning property, having bodily integrity and autonomy, holding public office. There are still countries where women don’t have the right to work, to fair wages or equal pay, to education, to serve in the military, to enter into legal contracts or to have marital, parental and religious rights. I think in so many arenas women are still not listened to or taken seriously, which makes having your voice heard very challenging. It’s a motivator to keep fighting though!

What’s the best thing about being a woman?

We have mystical powers

Last book you read?

Room by Emma Donoghue

Last album you bought or downloaded?

Olympics opening ceremony soundtrack

What’s your favourite TV show?

Coronation Street.

Tell us a joke.

How many folk singers does it take to change a lightbulb? 10. One to change the bulb and nine to sing about how good the old one was.

First Name

Email Address

Comment

KerryLeigh1

18:15 Wed 6th March 2013

Lovely interview, good luck at the awards! I actually sent you this message earlier telepathically with my mystical powers. Love the folk singers joke. See everyone at Sugar and Spice on Saturday, and Taurus after. X